Vermont would join ArrayRx, a compact of states pooling their buying power to negotiate lower drug prices for patients.
Vermont Business Magazine Today, Treasurer Mike Pieciak and local leaders announced a legislative initiative to lower prescription drug costs and make life-supporting medications more affordable for Vermonters.
As Affordable Care Act subsidies expire, and thousands risk losing their coverage and paying fully out of pocket for their prescriptions, the proposed program will offer Vermonters a free drug discount card, delivering meaningful savings on their medications, regardless of coverage.
“Drug prices are outrageously high—making Vermont less affordable and Vermonters less healthy,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “It is unacceptable that in the richest country in the world, families must choose between filling a prescription and putting food on the table. Our proposal is an opportunity to bring prescription drug prices down, secure a better deal for Vermonters, and make health care more affordable and accessible.”
Both House and Senate health care committee chairs are serving as the lead legislative sponsors for the bill (H.577). Senator Ginny Lyons, Chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, discussed the need to lower drug costs as premiums skyrocket and Vermonters are priced out of their coverage.
Senator Ginny Lyons, Chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee
"As more Vermonters become exposed to higher out-of-pocket costs, this plan will make prescription drugs more affordable and protect patients from a broken drug pricing system. I want to thank Treasurer Pieciak for proposing this initiative to help Vermonters save money on their health care."
Representative Alyssa Black, Chair of the House Health Care Committee, said, "High drug costs are hurting Vermonters and forcing incredibly difficult choices—especially when it comes to medications for mental health and chronic care. My committee looks forward to taking up this proposal and delivering immediate savings to Vermonters at the pharmacy counter."
Under H.577, Vermont would join ArrayRx, a partnership of states pooling their buying power to negotiate lower drug prices for patients. Joining ArrayRx would give Vermonters access to a free drug discount card offering lower costs when insurance or Medicare does not cover a prescription—or whenever the discount gets a better deal.
An ArrayRx Discount Card can be used for almost any FDA-approved medication to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease; address mental health needs; treat infections; and vaccinate against chronic illnesses. The card is accepted at most pharmacies nationwide.
States including Connecticut have already joined ArrayRx, saving their residents over $200 every month and providing a clear model for success.
"At a time when prescription drug prices are out of control, joining ArrayRx has provided much-needed relief to thousands of people across Connecticut,” said Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon. “The program is putting money back in the pockets of residents, and savers have reported that the discount card is convenient and easy to use. I applaud Treasurer Pieciak for bringing forward this proposal and demanding a better deal for Vermonters on their prescription drugs."
Prescription drugs are a significant driver of rising health care costs. Drug companies in the U.S. have historically set prices with inadequate restraint or competition, leaving Americans paying far more for the same medications than patients abroad.
In 2024, Americans spent $98 billion out of pocket on prescription drugs—up 25% over the last five years. A 2023 survey by a nonpartisan health policy think tank found that one in three U.S. adults taking prescription drugs say they cannot take their medication as prescribed due to the cost.
Chief Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher said H.577 would provide critical relief to patients facing these impossible tradeoffs. “The Office of the Health Care Advocate frequently works with Vermonters struggling between paying for a prescription or their basic needs. This plan is a meaningful step toward alleviating that stress and supporting better outcomes for patients."
Stephanie Winters, Deputy Director of the Vermont Medical Society, said high prices harm both patients and the professionals who care for them. "Prescription drug costs undermine the work of Vermont's medical professionals. We want to provide the best care possible, but high out-of-pocket costs force Vermonters to skip or ration their medications. VMS appreciates the work of Treasurer Pieciak to bring this opportunity forward to achieve better outcomes for patients and ensure medical professionals can focus on care rather than cost."
Treasurer Pieciak was also joined by AARP Vermont State Director Greg Marchildon, who highlighted the program’s direct benefit to seniors and retirees.
“AARP Vermont backs bulk drug purchasing because it drives down costs and boosts affordability. By pooling buying power, we help make prescription drugs more accessible for Vermonters.”
Treasurer Pieciak concluded the press conference emphasizing that the program is a continued step in strengthening Vermont's health care system and making care more affordable and accessible.
Treasurer Michael Pieciak
“This program will deliver meaningful savings to Vermonters who depend on their medications to work and live with dignity,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “Long term, our office will continue to bring forward bold solutions that ensure every Vermonter can get the care they need—when they need it—at a price they can afford.”
The House Health Care committee is expected to hear testimony on H.577 starting next week.
1.8.2026=Montpelier, VT – Treasurer
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